Pleasanton’s Alviso Adobe Community Park is a unique site that tells the story of California from its earliest human history. This fully restored $4.5 million interpretive park reveals the history of the Amador Valley and a rare glimpse of times past.

Located between Old Foothill Road and Foothill Road, on the west side of Highway 680, the site tells the story of California from its Native American beginnings to the days of Spanish ranchos managing herds of cattle on the original 12,000-acre Rancho Santa Rita, through a period in the early to mid-20th century when it was a popular dairy, and finally to its present use as a community park. 

The Alviso Adobe, the first adobe building in the Amador Valley, is the physical and interpretive centerpiece of the park. A re-creation of the historic Meadowlark Dairy milking barn and bunk house will accommodate new uses and indoor interpretive displays. The site serves as a valuable resource for students and visitors interested in the economic, social and political life in California from the establishment of the Bear Flag Republic, through the Mexican-American War, the Gold Rush, and the granting of statehood.

Public Visits

The general public can take self-guided tours of Alviso Adobe Community Park during the week each Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The park is closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and on City holidays. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the paved paths that run through the park. Signage describing the historical and natural points of interest is located at several locations within the park and a City Naturalist is on site at the park during operating hours.

The site features a dramatic overlook of the valley, with images of Pleasanton at different time periods and a small amphitheater seats approximately 30 people. Nearby are demonstration areas that involve visitors in the activities of the past, such as making adobe bricks, ice cream, and learning how plants were used by the Ohlone people. The park grounds have been carefully landscaped with native plants, and fruit and nut trees amidst ancient Heritage oak trees and a seasonal creek.

School Tours

Field trips can be scheduled through the City Naturalist on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. All programs meet the California State Curriculum Grade Level History/Social Study Standards, and each program is specifically tailored to the grade level of individual groups. For program and scheduling information, please call (925) 931-3483, or email enicholas@cityofpleasantonca.gov.